No quick fix for England, says Gary Lineker

05 September 2013 12:16

Former England striker Gary Lineker admits Greg Dyke's vision to improve the national team will be pie in the sky unless the Football Association and Premier League unite to tackle the issues in the domestic game.

FA chairman Dyke delivered a keynote address on Wednesday, describing the English game as a tanker which needs turning and setting an ambitious target for England's senior team to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

To get there, Dyke wants to work with the Premier League to increase the proportion of England-qualified players featuring in the top flight on a weekly basis, and Match of the Day presenter Lineker believes it is vital for the Premier League to buy into Dyke's vision for the plan to succeed.

Lineker wrote on Twitter: "Finally read Greg Dyke's speech. Some realism as to issues, some fantasy as to targets. Unless PL & FA unite, it's all pie in the sky.

"Things are improving, small sided games and pitches, better coaching, but will take time and patience. There is NO quick fix!"

Dyke conducted a round of media interviews on Thursday morning following up on his speech, and believes the Premier League understands the need for change without any pressure being exerted upon it.

Dyke, who took over as FA chairman in June, said on talkSPORT: "I'm not sure I need coercive powers. I think the Premier League understands it is in everybody's interest to have a successful England team.

"I have no doubt some of the remedies might be tough for the Premier League and you might not be able to implement them."

Changes could include a quota on foreign players, a reform of the loan system and also addressing the thorny issue of a mid-season break.

A mid-season break is commonplace on the continent, but it has never been introduced into English football despite lobbying from key figures.